Bryan Hughes would like to stay at Stanley – and hopes to lead them to success.

The 35-year-old former Premier League ace is on non-contract terms with the Reds and it’s been rumoured that Aldershot and Rotherham were ready to make a swoop for the former Birmingham and Hull man.

But Hughes admitted he was thankful to Reds boss John Coleman for giving him a chance when he returned from playing in Iceland this season – and expects to stay at the Crown Ground.

"I want to stay here as John has given me the chance and I am loving every minute of it," said Hughes.

"The gaffer has believed in me and hopefully I have shown him what I can do and I can help the team as much as I can.

"I have heard a few things (about clubs being interested) and people have phoned up but I know a lot of people in the game so these things happen.

"I have not heard anything directly myself if it’s true or not but if people are putting it out there, I am obviously making the right moves.

"All I want to do though is take each game as it comes, I am happy to train every day and play on a Saturday.

"The best thing for me about being at Accrington is playing football, which is what I want to do.

"I have settled in really well, I don’t need anyone to keep my feet on the ground, and it’s a good club to be at."

Hughes has been instrumental as the Reds have chalked up a five game unbeaten run in the league which has them looking upwards rather than over their shoulders.

He is a calm, experienced head who pulls the strings in midfield and was superb as the Reds chalked up their first away win since February at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

The Reds got off to a dream start with a third minute goal from Padraig Amond, with Hughes providing the cross, before Craig Lindfield added a second to wrap up the points.

"We needed that early goal as it gave us something to hang on to and we were consistently on the front foot in the first half," said Hughes.

"We could have led by more goals but then they came at us in the second half and we stood firm and a clean sheet is just as pleasing as the win.

"Our away record has been bad over the last few months so it’s good to get that out of the way now. The win has been a long time coming.

"Now we are unbeaten in five league games and we want to keep progressing up the table.

"We have got a lot of games over Christmas and the new year and, once those are out of the way, we will get to the end of January and have a look at where we are and see if if we have got a chance of the top seven.

"But until then we have to take each game as it comes."

The only thing missing from his performance, Hughes admits, is goals. "It would be nice to score although I am happy to be a provider," he added.

"I have always chipped in with a couple of goals at whichever club I have been at in my career so I am sure one will come soon."